7 years later, Janis Joplin’s letters make it to big screen

After seven years of work, director Amy Berg’s finally set to unveil her documentary “Janis” at the upcoming Venice Film Festival in September. “This has been a labor of love and I cannot wait to share Janis’ unique, intimate story with the world.”

The film will show a personal side of the fabled singer as Cat Power (Chan Marshall) reads excerpts from Janis’ personal letters to friends and family. The film will also feature brand new interviews and footage from the 1967 Monterey Pop festival, Woodstock, and the Festival Express in 1970.

Don’t expect a lighthearted film:

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“Four decades after her untimely demise, Janis Joplin is as big ever,” Berg writes on her web site. “Despite releasing only four albums during her life, Janis’ legacy extends to more than 15 greatest hits collections, reissues and live albums have been released posthumously. Yet for all the accolades and stardom she’s earned over the years-both during her lifetime and posthumously- it’s staggering to think how much Janis suffered, how deeply she hurt, during her short life.”

Interestingly, a new documentary on another female singer who died too young – Amy Winehouse – recently debuted in Britain. International dates will be added soon.